Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
THE DWELLER
Off-Campus Information
On Demand
S PRING
2016
Welcome Back!
OFFICE OF
OFF-CAMPUS
HOUSING
We hope your semester is going well and you have a safe and positive
experience living off campus this fall. Living in the town of Bloomsburg can be
very rewarding and enjoyable, however, occurrences like getting utilities
hooked up, paying bills, and dealing with landlords and neighbors, can be a
D E A N O F S T U D E N T S : great source of stress. Having greater freedom to make decisions can also creDONALD YOUNG
ate stress and anxiety. The Dean of Students Office is here to assist in alleviating such stressors by answering any questions or concerns regarding offcampus housing. We also strive to keep off-campus students up-to-date with
COORDINATOR:
both university and town information and news. This newsletter, The DWELLBRET LEPARD
ER, is one of the services we provide to help students with problems they may
S T U D E N T A S S I S T A N T encounter while living off campus.
Students can also obtain information from our website. Our website is
JOSEPH DECAPRIO
continually updated and located at www.bloomu.edu/offcampushousing. At
our website you can search the listings, find landlord contact information, post
CONTACT INFO
openings for roommates, and find contact information for places like code en570-389-4734
forcement and various utility companies, plus much more.
KUB 101
Much of your success as a town resident is dependent upon your
knowledge of how to be a courteous neighbor and of local ordinances. We
encourage you to contact us anytime with questions or concerns regarding
these matters. You can reach our office at 570-389-4734. We also welcome
students to come visit us at our location in KUB 101 (basement of the Kehr Union Building). We are always pleased to speak with students face-to-face and
assist them any way we can. If you are confronted with roommate issues,
please contact us to schedule a consultation . Again, we wish you all the best
and hope you enjoy a positive off-campus housing experience.
Best of Luck,
Donald Young
Dean of Students/Off Campus Housing
www.bloomu.edu/offcampushousing
COMMUNITY LIVING
PAGE 2
While some are living off campus for the first time, others are veterans of town
living. Either way, please remember that you are part of a community. As a
member of the town of Bloomsburg, you are expected to be as courteous and
civil as you would be in your own hometown. This means that you must abide by
all town codes and ordinances. Your status as a student does not exempt you
from law enforcement. Take the time to meet your neighbors and make an
effort to peacefully co-exist. This may save you a lot of aggravation later in the
semester. Here are some hints to follow.





Meet your neighbors
If your neighbor has a complaint, listen to them.
Realize that some of your neighbors may get up early and go to sleep
when you start to socialize.
Out of respect for other residents, please watch your language.
Random acts of kindness go a long way.
The issue of disruptive conduct/noise complaints/disorderly gatherings has
become a problem recognized by local authorities. Having respect for your
neighbors means respecting their tolerance to the amount of disruptive behavLock your doors at all times ior created by you or your guests. If you receive more than two noise violations,
and carry your keys
there is the possibility that you may be evicted. If you would like a copy of the
Never leave valuables unpro- Regulated Rental Unit Occupancy Ordinance No.766, feel free to stop by the
tected.
Office of Off-Campus Housing located on the Wilson House on Second Street.
Do not leave large sums of
This ordinance contains the owner’s duties, occupant’s duties, licensing and inspecting, as well as grounds for renewal, suspension or revocation of license, and
money in your residence
violations and penalties.
Never let a stranger
Safety Tips!!!




enter your residence
Report questionable
strangers to the Bloomsburg
Town Police at 911
 When walking at night, use
well-lit paths and take a
friend

Get A Copy of Your Lease!!!
As long as you have a copy of your lease,
you should be in good shape. If you do
not have a copy of your lease, GET ONE
NOW!! Essentially, a lease is a declaration
of the decided terms of living. It is a
legally binding agreement between the
landlord and tenant. There are many
reasons to have a copy of your lease. The
first and most obvious reason is that it is
the guideline either party needs to follow
should a question, concern or problem
occur. For example, if a conflict develops
between you and a landlord, you will
need the lease in order to know the
terms of your agreement, get help and
have proof. A less significant reason for
having a copy of your lease is that sometimes the cable company will request to
see a copy of the lease before installing
or activating cable. These are two simple
examples of situations when having a
copy of your lease is a necessity. So,
please get a copy of your lease and keep
it in a safe place.
NOTE!!!
THE
DWELLER
We recommend that students insure all of their valuables. Further student insurance
information can be found at www.nssi.com
Inventory Checklist
The inventory checklist is a valuable tool to document the
condition of the dwelling before you move into it. Make
sure you thoroughly inspect your dwelling and record
anything in need of repair. Also, be sure to note anything
that is damaged or hazardous. Copies of a checklist are
provided, for your use, at the Office of Off-Campus Housing and on our website. The checklist is a good outline and
is intended to help you get started with documenting your
dwelling’s conditions. Nevertheless, if you find something
wrong with your dwelling and it is not on the checklist,
transcribe a brief description of the problem on a separate
sheet of paper and keep it with the checklist. Ideally, your
landlord should be present when you inspect the premises. After the inspection is completed, both you and the
landlord should sign the inventory checklist and any additional papers. If, however, your landlord is unable to
attend, or refuses to be present during
PAGE 3
the inspection, you should have two non-resident
witnesses inspect the dwelling with you. The inventory checklist and additional papers should then be taken to a notary to be signed. In either case, copies of
everything , including a cover letter, should be made
and sent to the landlord via certified mail receipt
requested. Your copies should be kept in a secure
place for future reference. This whole process should
then be repeated at the end of your lease term. These
steps will help curtail any possible confusion and/or
conflict when the lease comes to an end and the
security deposit is due to be returned.
IN A NUTSHELL





Conduct and keep a thorough inventory of your apartment’s condition
If the landlord is available, walk through the dwelling together
Get a signed copy of the lease
Know what bills you are responsible for and make timely payments of bills
Take dated pictures of any damages in your house/apartment before you
move in so you are not held responsible for repairs
THE BURNING QUESTION
There are over 1,000 home fires a day in the United States. How safe is your apartment or
house? Don’t assume you are safe unless you have asked yourself the following questions:
 Do you make sure matches and smoking materials are completely extinguished
before disposing of them?
 Are electrical outlets overloaded with multiple extension cords and attachment
plugs?
 Are the stove, oven and broiler kept clean of grease?
 Have you worked out a plan of escape from every room, including the bathroom?
 Do you know how to use your fire extinguisher? (Do you have a fire extinguisher?)
 Do you know the number of the fire department?
Do you have smoke alarms present in centrally located areas, especially the kitchen?
If you have answered NO to any of these questions, take measures to correct the problems.
Check batteries in the smoke detectors and make sure they are functional at all times (refer to
Ordinance #787). Make sure your apartment has a fire extinguisher that is properly charged. A
discharged fire extinguisher is a useless piece of equipment. Every rental unit must have
smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher. IT IS THE LAW. Contact your landlord immediately if
you do not have this equipment. THE LIFE YOU SAVE COULD BE YOUR OWN.
AVOID SPACE HEATERS
RECYCLING
PAGE 4
Recycling Center
Hours
Monday
7am-5pm
Tuesday
7am-5pm
Wednesday 7am-5pm
Thursday
7am-5pm
Friday
7am-3pm
2nd & 4th Saturday 9am-1pm
Directions to
Recycling Center
Bloomsburg is a mandatory recycling town. Please abide by the law and separate your
trash. Here are some tips:
Items accepted at the curb for recycling:
Clear, Brown and Green glass separated by color
Newspaper
Steel cans
Aluminum cans
Plastic bottles #1 & #2
Items accepted for drop-off at the Recycling Center during open hours:
Clear, brown & green glass- separate by color
Steel cans & aluminum cans- separate by metal type
Newspaper- including all ads and inserts (must keep dry)
Plastic Bottles #1 & #2- This includes all soda, juice, milk and laundry bottles.
Check for the number in the chasing arrows.
Corrugated Cardboard- boxes that have a layer of ridges
Magazines & Catalogs
Office Paper- lined or unlined and shredded or whole
Hardcover, Paperback and Phone Books
Computers and all Peripherals
Proper Preparation of Recyclables:
Remove all lids. Labels may remain on the package
Plastic lids are not made of the same material as the bottle
Metal lids are recyclable. Place inside of can and flatten can to prevent the lid
from sliding out.
Rinse bottles, jars and cans.
Separate materials and place at the curb in paper bags or open top containers.
Leave all items at the curb by 7:30AM on your collection day.
From Main Street, follow Rt.
11 and turn right onto East
Street. Drive to the 3rd red
light on East Street and turn
left onto E. 7th Street. The
Recycling Center is ½ mile
ahead, on the right side of
the road, behind
Whitmoyer’s Car Detailer.
COLLECTION DATES
Refer to this link for collection dates:
http://bloomsburgpa.org/wp-content/
uploads/2014-Calendar.pdf
*Be sure to have your trash on the curbside by
7:30am
THE
DWELLER
RECYCLING ZONES
For Specific Recycling Zones :
http://www.bloomsburgpa.org/curbside.htm
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!!!
PAGE 5
Your landlord is obligated under a doctrine known as Implied Warrants of Habitability to
provide you with a safe and sanitary dwelling in exchange for the rent you pay. A breech
of Implied Habitability occurs whenever a defect renders the premises uninhabitable. If
you have problems, here is a list of contacts:
LANDLORD OR LEASE PROBLEMS:
LEGAL QUESTIONS?
Anthony Beard
Campus Lawyer
Asst. Dean of Students/Off Campus Housing
David Trathen
Wilson House, 389-4984
Fridays 4pm-6pm
KUB - 411
CODE ENFORCEMENT PROBLEMS:
570-784-2200
Ed Fegley or Ralph Magill
ONLY FALL/SPRING
Code Enforcement Officers
Bloomsburg Town Hall, 784-7123
Mr. Fegley or Mr. Magill will inspect properties on the request of a landlord or tenant.
They will take any action necessary when the safety and health of a tenant is in question
or jeopardy. Please keep in mind that your landlord deserves and has the right to make
minor appropriate repairs to your property before you contact the Code Enforcement
READ THE CODE
Questions about whether something in or around your residence is up to code? Take a look at Bloomsburg’s
online Code Ordinances listed at:
http://ecode360.com/BL2204
THE TRASH ISSUE
Tenants are being held responsible by their landlords for trash removal. According
to the Bloomsburg Code Enforcement Officer, if students do not follow the proper
procedures for trash removal, it can cause some major problems. Listed below are
the proper procedures for trash removal:
 Contact your landlord or check your lease to see who’s responsible for trash
removal
 If your landlord is responsible, he/she must ensure that bills are paid on time
and that the services are being rendered properly. You, however, must inform
the landlord if a problem exists with service so it can be remedied.
 If you are responsible, you must find and contract a disposal service. The
yellow pages offer a variety of choices under the heading of rubbish. Simply call
one of the haulers and tell them you need their service.
You should ask:
 The cost
 What day pick up is
You must:
 Pay the bill
 Set out the trash on pick up day
 Be sure no recyclable materials are included with the trash. Keep trash inside until pick up day in order to prevent animals from breaking bags and
creating a smelly, unsightly mess.
www.bloomu.edu/offcampus
PAGE
6
ALCOHOL, DRUGS & UNIVERSITY POLICY
Even though you live off campus, the University’s Alcoholic Beverage and Drug Policy does effect you. As a student at BU, you must abide by the Student Code of Conduct which you will find in the PILOT. It is available online here:
http://bloomu.edu/pilot/standards
AS A REMINDER...
Students who are cited/arrested by law enforcement agencies or charged by the
University with furnishing/providing/selling alcohol to minors will be immediately
placed on Alcohol Probation Level II pending a formal judicial hearing. Students
found responsible of the violation will be suspended for at least one semester.
Hopefully, these sanctions will allow those students who illegally sell and furnish
alcohol to others, to think about the severity and consequences in an effort to prevent selling and furnishing alcohol to underage individuals.
REMEMBER ORDINANCE #787
It states that it is unlawful for residents to occupy an apartment or other premises with a fire
or smoke detection system which has been purposely disabled. “Purposely disabled” means
the following:
1. The battery has been removed or disconnected without the immediate replacement.
2. The device has been disconnected from it’s electrical power supply or the power
supply to the detection device has been otherwise interrupted without good cause.
3. The smoke or fire protection device has been damaged, destroyed, or completely
removed without the immediate replacement of same.
4. The proper functioning of the smoke or fire protection device has been obstructed,
hindered or prevented by any other act.
Therefore, you will be held responsible for a violation of the ordinance if you fail to comply
with the above. Not only is your safety at stake, violators face a $1,000 maximum fine.
Contact your landlord immediately if you are having problems with your fire detection
system.
REMINDER!!!
The Couch Law prohibits any
type of indoor furniture
(couches, stuffed chairs, easy
chairs, etc.) from being on
porches. The only “safe”
porch furniture is outdoor or
patio furniture.
The Open Container Law
prohibits the consumption of
alcoholic beverages and the
THE
DWELLER
possession of open containers of alcohol on public property. Public property includes, but is not limited to:
streets, sidewalks, parking
lots, parks, and recreation
areas within in the town of
Bloomsburg. In addition to
any University sanctions, a
violation of this law can result
in a fine up to $600 and/or
imprisonment up to ten
days.
PAGE
Campus Shuttle Schedule
Downtown Loop
Lower campus bus stop is next to McCormick
Monday-Thursday:
7:30am-9:30pm
Service is provided every half hour according to the following schedule: First bus leaves McCormick at 7:30am.
The last bus leaves McCormick at 9:30pm.
McCormick: depar ts on the hour and half hour
Market Street Apartments: depar ts 5mins.-35mins.
past the hour
Old School House Apartments: depar ts 8mins.38mins. past the hour
Maroon and Gold Apartments: depar ts 10mins.40mins. past the hour
Warhurst Apartments: depar ts 12mins.-42mins. past
the hour
Glenn Avenue Apartments: depar ts 13mins.-43mins.
past the hour
Friday:
7:30am-4:30pm
First bus leaves McCormick at 7:30am. The last bus
leaves McCormick at 4:30pm.
Honeysuckle Apartments
Monday-Thursday:
7:30am-12:00pm
Continuous service with buses arriving approximately
every 10 mins.
(NO service from 12:15pm-12:45pm)
12:50pm-9:15pm
Continuous service with buses arriving approximately
every 10mins.
Friday:
7:30am-12:00pm
Continuous service with buses arriving approximately
every 10 mins.
(NO service from 12:15pm-12:45pm)
12:50pm-4:45pm
Continuous service with buses arriving approximately
every 10 mins.
There is NO service Saturday or Sunday Service for
the Honeysuckle Apartments
Walmart Run
Will be included with the Campus Service Tuesday and Friday nights on
the hour.
Pick up at Centennial Hall
Depart from Walmart
6:00pm
7:15pm
7:00pm
8:15pm
8:00pm
9:15pm
Campus Loop
Shuttle buses on the campus loop stop at:
Centennial Hall
Nelson Field House
Jessica S. Kozloff Apartments
Orange Lot
Mount Olympus Apartments
Montgomery Apartments
Monday through Thursday: Continuous Service from 7:30am-Midnight
7:30am-3:30pm—Buses arrive approximately
every 10 minutes
3:30pm-Midnight—Buses arrive approximately every 15 minutes
Friday: Continuous Service from 730am–
10pm
Saturday: Continuous Service from 12:00pm
-5:00pm. Buses arrive approximately every
20 minutes
Sunday: Continuous Service from 12:00pm
(noon)-Midnight (NO service from 6:45pm7:30pm). Buses arrive approximately every
20 minutes.
7
PAGE
8
Permit Parking
Emergency Snow
Removal Parking
Lot Procedures
During significant snowfall, the police department may post meters
and lots with “No Parking” signs. A notice is
placed on local radio
stations (930 AM or
106.5FM), in area newspapers and on BU’s
“Today Page.” Vehicles
not moved from the
parking lots prior to
plowing are subject to a
$50 fine and towing at
the owners expense.
Call the police station
for more information at
570-784-6779.
Permits are enforced from 7am7pm Monday through Friday, as
per signs on the streets. Permits
are available for purchase at the
police station at $10 per permit
and must be hanging from your
rear-view mirror. Park only on the
street where your permit is valid.
Vehicle Registration and a copy of
current lease are required. Vehicles must be removed for the
street sweeping days in your
block. You will get a ticket with
your permit. There are two signs
on every block with the street
sweeping schedule that is in
effect April to November.
Tickets
Parking meters are enforced 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. On
Main Street from East
Street to West Street,
you may not exceed
parking at the meter for
2 hours. Tickets for this
offense are $10. Courte-
sy reminder letters are
mailed after 10 days if
the ticket is unpaid. If a
ticket is not paid within
20 days from issue date
of ticket, a citation will
be issued. You must have
your ticket number or
vehicle registration in
order to pay your ticket
at the station. Payments
can also be paid online
via a credit card at
http://bloompd.com/
tickets.html
Downtown Parking Permits
Permits are available for purchase for persons living or working in the downtown
area. They can be purchased at the station for $75-160 for 6 months, for parking
in municipal lots. Students must be present to get their permits and only one
permit is issued per person. Everyone must bring in proof of residency (lease or
current utility bill), vehicle registration & photo ID. . (Only a parent can obtain a
permit for their son/daughter if the student cannot be present). Preferred methods of payment are checks, credit cards or money orders.
For More Up to Date Parking Information visit: http://ecode360.com/14267279
THE
DWELLER
CAMPUS FACILITIES
ANDRUSS LIBRARY
Monday-Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
7:30am-Midnight
7:30am-4:30pm
9:00am-5:00pm
Noon-Midnight
KEHR UNION
Monday-Friday
Saturday and Sunday
8:00am-Midnight
10:00am-Midnight
STUDENT REC CENTER
Monday-Thursday
Friday
Saturday-Sunday
6:00am-11:00pm
6:00am-10:00pm
11:00am-10:00pm
STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
Monday-Friday
Saturday-Sunday
8:00am-6:00pm
Closed
UNIVERSITY STORE
Monday-Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
7:45am-8:00pm
7:45am-4:30pm
10:00am-5:00pm
Noon-4:30pm
COMMONS
Monday-Friday
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Sat & Sun
Brunch
Dinner
7:00am-9:30am
10:30am-2:00pm
4:00pm-8:00pm
PHONE LIST
Campus Numbers
Business Office
BU Police
Card Center
Career Development
CGA
Community Activities
Counseling Center
Financial Aid
Games Room
Health Center
Intramural Office
KUB Main Desk
Library
Nelson Field House
Rec Center
Registrar
Residence Life
Scranton Commons
Student Activities
Student Life
Student Standards
University Info
University Store
389-4013
389-4168
389-5410
389-4070
389-4467
389-4462
389-4255
389-4279
389-4345
389-4451
389-4885
389-5212
389-4205
389-4049
389-4772
389-4263
389-4089
389-4482
389-4346
389-4063
389-4734
389-4000
389-4175
10:00am-2:00pm
4:30pm-7:00pm
ROONGO’S
Monday- Thursday
Friday
8:00am-6:00pm
8:00am-3:30pm
EXPRESSO CART
Monday-Friday
HUSKY LOUNGE
Monday-Friday
Sat & Sun
ITALIAN KITCHEN
Everyday
7:30am-2:30pm
Residence Halls
Columbia
Elwell
Luzerne
Lycoming
Montour
Northumberland
Schuylkill
MOA/MPA
389-4299
389-4315
389-4305
389-4320
389-4330
389-4301
389-4327
389-2900
Town Numbers
Code Enforcement
Bloomsburg Recycling
BTE Box Office
Family Planning
Bloomsburg Hospital
Bloomsburg YMCA
Geisinger Medical Info
Bloom Poison Center
784-7123
784-4532
784-8181
387-0236
387-2100
784-0188
271-6211
784-4241
ATTENTION!!!
The Dweller is a publication from the Dean of Students Office. The next
edition will be in August of 2013. All future editions, will be available on
7:00am-Midnight our website at www.bloomu.edu/offcampushousing. If you have any
11:00am-Midnight ideas or suggestions for articles/information you feel should be communicated to our off-campus students, please feel free to let us know.
10:30am-8:30pm Thanks!
MONTY’S
Monday-Friday
Sat & Sun
8:00am-9:00pm
11:00am-8:00pm
SECOND STREET CAFE
Monday-Friday
Sat & Sun
7:30am-8:30pm
11:00am-8:30pm
www.bloomu.edu/
offcampushousing
STARBUCKS
Monday-Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
7:30am-Midnight
7:30am-4:30pm
Closed
Noon-Midnight
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania is committed to equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to
race, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability
or veteran status.